AZ ranch

BoFuller · Jul 5, 2014

treetopflyer said:
Hey Bo...did you have to pre-drill those lags for the ledger board?

We just pre-drilled the ledger board. We probably should have drilled the log, because after driving in 100 of them, the impact drill is sounding like it's dying.

The lags are 5/8 by 8 inch. I think it is about twice what is really necessary but I didn't argue with the engineer. I'm trying to overbuild whenever possible anyway.

weldingisfun · Jul 6, 2014

I am with you, Bo. Overbuild every time. The only time overbuilding is a problem is when it has to be taken down and I don't plan on being around for that.
Your house is looking good. Looking forward to your next update.

treetopflyer · Jul 6, 2014

My question came form the fact that I know nothing of log construction...my concern is this: Even though those logs are massive, will the lags act like little wedges over time as the timbers breathe (swell & shrink with changes in humidity)?...I don't mean to put another "concern" in your head I'm just curious. I was wondering if pre-drilling the logs would alleviate that? As stated earlier, overbuilding to the degree that you are, even if my "concern" were to be a factor, we'll all be dust by then. Great build and inspiring to those of us who will be under taking similar projects even if we use different materials...Thank you for keeping us up to date. Doug in Yuma

MacLawn · Jul 6, 2014

tree, I sure don't think old Bo has to worry about them ledger lag bolts, not nothing else with that log nuclear ready fortress he's building.

Congratulations on that new grand baby Bo.

BoFuller · Jul 6, 2014

We got the floor joists in today!

BoFuller · Jul 6, 2014

treetopflyer said:
My question came form the fact that I know nothing of log construction...my concern is this: Even though those logs are massive, will the lags act like little wedges over time as the timbers breathe (swell & shrink with changes in humidity)?...I don't mean to put another "concern" in your head I'm just curious. I was wondering if pre-drilling the logs would alleviate that? As stated earlier, overbuilding to the degree that you are, even if my "concern" were to be a factor, we'll all be dust by then. Great build and inspiring to those of us who will be under taking similar projects even if we use different materials...Thank you for keeping us up to date. Doug in Yuma

I'm not worried about it at all. Those lags, even though they are hefty, are like toothpicks in that log.

BoFuller · Jul 6, 2014

We finally settled on our 3rd hand today. We have gone through 5 guys for our number 3 man. One I let go for being an alcoholic and 3 quit because we work too hard. They were all younger guys - 25 to 40 - and none of them could keep up with Scott and myself. They all flat out told us, "You guys work too hard, you need to back off". I'm 64 and Scott is 49, but we hump when we work. The guy we settled on today is 58, so we average 57, and work circles around all the younger guys we tried.

BoFuller · Jul 6, 2014

MacLawn said:
tree, I sure don't think old Bo has to worry about them ledger lag bolts, not nothing else with that log nuclear ready fortress he's building. Congratulations on that new grand baby Bo.

Thanks on both counts. Love my grandkids. And my neighbor has dubbed the place the Noah's Ark of log homes.

I think that second floor would hold my dumptruck!

MoKelly · Jul 7, 2014

This is really really neat to see. I am 58 and like the fact you guys can still crank out the work. Makes me feel good even if I am just looking at pictures and drinking coffee.

However, working in Arizona in July? At least its a dry heat, right?

Great work and I hope you continue to have nothing but good luck.

MoKelly